Posted on September 11, 2025
The Cotswolds offers some of the most desirable places to live in the country. But when it comes to choosing your perfect Cotswold home, the question often arises: are you more suited to the vibrancy of market town living, or the serenity of the countryside? We know that finding the right home is as much about lifestyle as it is about bricks and mortar. Here, we explore the benefits of both sides of Cotswold life to help you decide which feels most like home.
The Appeal of Market Town Living
Market towns are the heartbeat of the Cotswolds. They combine centuries of history with a lively, modern-day energy, making them perfect for those who value convenience alongside character. Living in a town means everything you need is within easy reach, from weekly markets and artisan bakeries to independent boutiques, excellent schools, and cultural events. You’ll often find thriving café scenes, sociable pubs, and strong community ties, creating a way of life that feels connected and welcoming.
Another advantage of market town living is practicality. With transport links, healthcare, and amenities on your doorstep, you don’t need to travel far for everyday needs, yet the countryside is never more than a few minutes away. For families, professionals, and retirees alike, market towns offer the ideal balance of accessibility and charm.
Cirencester: The Capital of the Cotswolds
Cirencester is brimming with history, Roman heritage, and a thriving market square. With boutique shopping, excellent schools, and a strong café culture, it’s ideal for families and professionals seeking convenience without sacrificing character. The town also hosts the Cotswold Craft Market at the Corn Hall, showcasing local makers and artisans.
Cirencester is a beloved favourite for many people to move to, get an idea of what a home looks like with our listing here.
Tetbury: Antiques and Elegance
Known for its antique shops and royal connections, Tetbury combines sophistication with charm. Living here means enjoying elegant Georgian architecture, stylish interior stores, and easy access to Westonbirt Arboretum.
Stow-on-the-Wold: Market Day Buzz
Perched on a hilltop, Stow-on-the-Wold has long been a meeting place. Its market square still draws crowds with regular farmers’ markets, while the town’s pubs and tearooms create a vibrant, sociable atmosphere. Shopping gems such as Curated Store add a contemporary touch to this historic market town.
Chipping Campden: Arts and Culture
Famed for its Arts and Crafts heritage, Chipping Campden is a cultural gem. With its golden High Street and lively calendar of festivals, it’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy a mix of tradition and creativity.
Cheltenham: Shopping and Culture
While technically a Regency spa town rather than a traditional market town, Cheltenham deserves a mention for those who love shopping, culture, and entertainment. Explore stylish boutiques in Montpellier and The Suffolks, or immerse yourself in world-class events such as the Cheltenham Festivals, literature, music, science, and jazz, and, of course, the famous horse racing. The Everyman Theatre also adds a touch of glamour with live performances year-round.
Things to Do in Market Towns
Living in a Cotswold town comes with endless opportunities for entertainment and exploration.
Markets: Enjoy browsing local produce and artisan crafts at weekly markets in Cirencester, Stroud, Tetbury, Fairford, Northleach, and Chipping Norton, as well as specialist artisan markets in Cheltenham.
Culture: From the charm of the Chipping Norton Theatre to live concerts at Westonbirt Arboretum in the summer, the Cotswolds towns provide a lively cultural calendar.
Shopping: Independent boutiques and interior stores, particularly in Cheltenham, Tetbury, and Stow-on-the-Wold, make shopping a delight.
Looking for the perfect townhouse? We have a range of gorgeous properties that might be right for you here.
The Serenity of Countryside Living
If you dream of waking up to birdsong, uninterrupted views of rolling hills, and a slower, more restorative pace of life, countryside living in the Cotswolds could be your answer. Villages and hamlets here epitomise tranquillity, where winding lanes, ancient woodlands, and stone cottages create an idyllic backdrop. Life in the countryside offers space, privacy, and a chance to feel truly immersed in nature.
Countryside living also brings with it a sense of freedom. Larger gardens, beautiful walks directly from your doorstep, and the ability to enjoy outdoor pursuits such as cycling or horse riding make it especially appealing for families and those seeking a more active lifestyle. For many, it’s the peace and timeless beauty that is most alluring, a way of life that allows you to slow down, breathe deeply, and savour every moment.
Painswick: The Queen of the Cotswolds
Nestled among rolling hills, Painswick is known for its 99 yew trees and beautiful Rococo Garden. Life here offers tranquillity, charming cottages, and walks straight into the surrounding valleys.
For an idea of what a Painswick property looks like, take a look at one of our listings here.
Bibury: Quintessential Charm
Often called one of England’s prettiest villages, Bibury is famed for its picture-perfect Arlington Row cottages. Living here feels like stepping into a postcard, with the River Coln meandering through the heart of the village.
Kingham: Rural with a Touch of Chic
Kingham offers a more contemporary countryside lifestyle, with acclaimed dining at The Wild Rabbit and Daylesford Organic just nearby. It’s peaceful yet refined, attracting those who value both nature and quality.
Lower Slaughter: Riverside Serenity
This picturesque village is all about timeless beauty, with honey-stone cottages lining the River Eye. It’s quiet, intimate, and ideal for those seeking a truly restful escape.
Things to Do in the Countryside
Living in the Cotswolds countryside means having a wealth of experiences on your doorstep.
Walks and Outdoor Pursuits: From scenic rambles to horse riding and biking, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors, you can find our personal autumn highlights in our walking journal here.
Village Life: Cosy pubs and historic churches remain at the heart of rural communities, there’s nothing better than a hearty meal at your local pub, and when the food is great, the experience is all that better, read our Sunday pub journal here.
Country Hotels & Good Food: For indulgence, few places compare to The Pig in Barnsley, with a focus on homegrown produce and beautiful interiors. Just a stone’s throw away, you can find the gorgeous home 40–41 Barnsley, worth checking out as a rare opportunity to own a property in a sought-after area.
Family Days Out: The countryside is also brimming with family adventures, from Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park to the glorious arboretums at Westonbirt and Batsford, or a grand day out at Blenheim Palace. For something more active, try clay pigeon shooting at Ian Coley Shooting School.
If countryside living is more your speed, why not look at some homes we currently have available here.
So Which Lifestyle is Right for You?
The beauty of the Cotswolds is that it caters for both: you might fall for a Georgian townhouse in Cirencester’s historic centre, or perhaps a converted barn in the rolling hills around Minchinhampton.